For immediate
release: Contact:
June 12, 2007 Erika Staaf, (603) 229-3222
Environment New
Hampshire Displays Hundreds of Pinwheels in Concord,
Highlights Support for Renewable Energy in New Hampshire
Concord, NH—Standing
before hundreds of pinwheels spread out in White
Park in Concord,
Environment New Hampshire today highlighted the potential and support for
renewable energy in New Hampshire.
The 92 pinwheels were displayed to represent the number of wind turbines that
could supply all of Concord’s
electricity. Members of Congressman Paul Hodes’ district office and the New
Hampshire Wind Energy Association also joined Environment New Hampshire for an
event calling on Congress to establish a national Renewable Electricity
Standard requiring that utilities generate 20% of their electricity from
renewable sources like wind and solar by 2020, an issue that will be debated in
the House and Senate this month.
“There is no question that America has the know-how to move
beyond fossil fuels and to tap into our abundant renewable energy resources,” said
John Greene, Campaign Coordinator with Environment New Hampshire. “But right
now we’re just sitting on a winning lottery ticket when it comes to renewable
energy—we’re not tapping into the potential that exists here in New Hampshire.”
Currently, New
Hampshire derives only 4.2 percent of its electricity
from clean, renewable sources of energy like wind and solar power. Countries
like Denmark
currently derive more than 20 percent of their overall electricity generation
from wind power alone.
“By the Independence Day Recess, Congress will send to the
President comprehensive legislation to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels,”
said Representative Paul Hodes in a written statement today. “I am working with
my colleagues to ensure that the bill will include provisions that will allow
renewable energy sources, such as wind, to be economically viable.”
One of the most proven policies to drive renewable energy
development, an RES, also known as a “renewable portfolio standard” or RPS, has
been enacted in more than 20 states, including New Hampshire. These policies require that
utilities generate a certain percentage of their electricity from renewable
sources. Due to the economic and environmental benefits these policies have
delivered, ten states have now strengthened or expanded their standards.
“Most people are aware that wind power is clean, that it’s
free and that it’s now cost competitive with dirty fossil fuels and nuclear
power,” said Farrell Seiler, President of the New Hampshire Wind Energy
Association. “What is less well
publicized is that wind energy can slow down global climate change, and do so
quickly,” continued Seiler.
With Congress seeking to address energy security and global
warming this summer, there is momentum building to establish a national RES.
Environment New Hampshire called on Congress to pass legislation to establish a
national RES of 20 percent by 2020.
“Now is the time to take bold steps toward a new energy
future,” said Greene. “The result will be
a cleaner and more secure economy, new jobs for today and tomorrow, and stable
energy prices for consumers,” continued Greene.
An analysis by the Union of Concerned Scientists found that a
standard of 20 percent by 2020 would create 355,000 jobs, save consumers $49
billion on their electric bills, and direct $16.2 billion to rural communities.
Environment New
Hampshire specifically praised Representatives Paul
Hodes and Carol Shea-Porter for cosponsoring legislation introduced by
Representatives Udall (D-NM) and Platts (R-PA), H.R. 969, which would establish
a 20% by 2020 Renewable Electricity Standard.
They now call on Senators Judd Gregg and John Sununu to support similar
legislation in the Senate.
“New Hampshire
citizens want to put American innovation and ingenuity to work to solve our
energy problems,” stated Greene. “By supporting
HR 969, Representative Hodes and Shea-Porter will help deliver on the promise
of renewable energy,” concluded Greene.
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Environment New Hampshire
is a statewide, non-partisan, non-profit environmental organization that
advocates for clean air, clean water, and open space.
